Creating Multisensory Experiences with Bespoke Exhibition Designs

In today’s competitive exhibition world, simply setting up a branded stand is no longer enough. Businesses want to create something more—something that grabs attention, tells a story, and makes a lasting impression. This is where multisensory exhibition design comes in.

A great exhibition stand does more than just look good. It speaks to your audience through sight, sound, touch, and sometimes even smell. It’s about creating an experience people won’t forget. And with the help of bespoke exhibition stands and custom shell scheme graphics, it’s never been easier to make that happen.

Let’s explore how you can transform a typical exhibition setup into a truly unforgettable sensory experience.

The Power of Multisensory Design in Exhibitions

Multisensory design means using more than one sense to engage people. When we see a product, hear a sound, feel a texture, or smell something familiar, it leaves a stronger impression. Studies have shown that combining multiple senses can improve memory and create deeper emotional connections.

In exhibitions, brands only have a few seconds to attract someone’s attention. A multisensory approach helps you stand out in a sea of booths and banners. People are more likely to stop, interact, and remember what you offer.

It’s not just about technology or flashy gimmicks. Even simple touches—like the feel of a textured wall or the sound of calming music—can make a huge difference.

Bespoke Exhibition Stands: Built to Inspire

Bespoke exhibition stands are custom-designed to suit your brand and your goals. Unlike off-the-shelf modular stands, bespoke designs allow full creativity and flexibility. You can use different materials, layouts, lighting, and technology to create a unique space that reflects your brand perfectly.

So how do you make these stands multisensory?

1. Visuals

First impressions count. With custom lighting, large printed graphics, clever colour schemes, and unique structures, your stand becomes a magnet for the eyes. Every part of your stand—from the walls to the flooring—can tell part of your story visually.

2. Touch

The sense of touch is often overlooked, but it’s very powerful. Adding different materials like wood, metal, fabric, or textured surfaces invites people to explore. You can include samples, interactive panels, or tactile displays that let visitors feel your brand, quite literally.

3. Sound

Sound sets the mood. Soft background music, sound effects related to your industry, or even a voiceover explaining your product can create atmosphere. Make sure the audio is clear but not overpowering—it should enhance the space, not take over.

4. Smell

Certain smells trigger emotions and memories. If you’re in the food, beauty, or wellness industry, using aroma can make your stand truly immersive. Even a subtle scent can help people associate your brand with a feeling.

Custom exhibition stands allow you to bring all these sensory elements together in a way that’s fully aligned with your brand message.

Shell Scheme Graphics: Turning Standard Into Stunning

Many exhibition spaces come with standard shell scheme booths—those box-like structures with plain white walls. They’re functional, but they don’t do much to help your brand stand out.

But with the right shell scheme graphics, even a basic space can be transformed into something amazing.

What Are Shell Scheme Graphics?

These are printed panels or custom graphics designed to fit perfectly within the shell scheme structure. They cover the boring white walls and replace them with high-quality visuals, messaging, and branding elements. The goal is to make your space look more polished and professional—almost like a mini showroom.

How to Add Sensory Impact

While shell schemes may have size and structure limitations, that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative.

• Use high-quality printed visuals: Large, seamless graphics can bring your brand to life. Use bold colours, clean fonts, and eye-catching imagery.
• Add textures: Certain finishes (like matte, gloss, or fabric) can create different tactile effects.
• Include lighting: LED lights can add depth and draw attention to key areas.
• Floor graphics: Don’t forget about the floor! A printed floor wrap can help extend your branding and immerse the visitor even more.
• Product displays: Clever shelving or mounted displays can help you feature your items, letting people interact and explore.

By planning carefully, you can turn even a small shell scheme into a memorable and engaging sensory space.

Blending Physical and Digital Worlds

Today, the best exhibition designs bring together physical and digital experiences. A multisensory stand doesn’t just rely on touch and sight—it also invites people to interact through technology.

Examples of Digital Touchpoints:

• Touchscreens for exploring your products or watching videos
• Tablets for signing up, playing games, or browsing your catalogue
• Virtual reality (VR) to give people an immersive brand experience
• Augmented reality (AR) to bring your graphics to life
• QR codes that link to more content online

Digital elements keep visitors engaged longer and can help collect data or leads in a natural way. Just remember: technology should always serve a purpose—it should support the experience, not distract from it.

Tell Your Brand Story with Purpose

The most successful stands aren’t just pretty—they’re purposeful. Every element, every sense, should help tell your brand’s story.

Before you start designing, ask yourself:

• What do we want visitors to feel when they walk into our space?
• What story are we trying to tell?
• How can each sense help us deliver that story?

For example, a wellness brand might want to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere using soft lights, natural materials, soothing music, and fresh scents. A tech brand might go for sleek finishes, interactive screens, and upbeat sounds.

The point is to stay consistent. When everything works together, the message is clear—and visitors are more likely to remember you.

Planning Your Multisensory Exhibition Stand: Easy Tips

Designing a multisensory exhibition space doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Goals

Do you want to attract more visitors, collect leads, or launch a product? Knowing your goal helps shape your design choices.

2. Know Your Audience

Think about what will appeal to your target visitors. What would make them stop, stay, and explore?

3. Choose the Right Stand Type

If you have the budget and space, a bespoke exhibition stand gives you full creative freedom. If you’re working with a shell scheme, invest in premium shell scheme graphics to make the most of it.

4. Plan Sensory Touchpoints

Pick 2–3 senses you want to engage. Then choose materials, visuals, sounds, or smells that help deliver the right experience.

5. Work with the Right Team

A trusted exhibition designer or printer can help bring your vision to life. They’ll know what works best for your space, budget, and timeline.

Conclusion

Creating a multisensory experience at an exhibition is all about connection. When you engage visitors on multiple levels, you don’t just grab their attention—you stay in their minds long after the event is over.

Whether you’re using bespoke exhibition stands or elevating a space with custom shell scheme graphics, the key is to be creative, purposeful, and consistent with your brand message.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about having a stand—it’s about making people feel something.

Sign Company London brings your exhibition vision to life through creative, high-impact solutions tailored to engage all the senses.